SOUTHPORT gears up for an action-packed weekend from today when two of the country’s biggest endurance events come to town.

SOUTHPORT gears up for an action-packed weekend from today when two of the country’s biggest endurance events come to town.

Some of the world’s top cyclists will be racing along the coastline this morning when the Tour of Britain flashes past at around 40mph from 11am.

But one lesser-known rider will be sure to get all the applause when he passes through his home-town.

Southport-born Tom Diggle is flying the flag this year, riding for the Recycling.co.uk Pro Cycling Team.

Diggle, who only recently graduating to the senior ranks, said: “To ride my first Tour of Britain and cover home soil will be a fantastic experience for me.

“Riding any race for the first time is a daunting task, but I’m sure that the crowds in the NorthWest will spur me on.

“The Tour is a world-class race and this is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on the NorthWest. It can only be good for the region.”

Stage 5 of The Tour of Britain starts in Sefton Park tomorrow at 10.15am, heading out of Liverpool via the city’s waterfront.

Passing through Bootle, Seaforth and Waterloo, the race then cuts through Crosby and Thornton before heading up the A565, along the Formby By-Pass and then past RAF Woodvale.

Riders will then be treated to some of the best sights in Sefton as they travel along the Coastal Road past Pontins and towards Southport, Marshside, Crossens, Banks, Tarleton and then up towards the finish line in Kendal via Preston.

Meanwhile, West Lancashire Yacht Club will play host to teams from all over the country when they hold their annual 24-Hour Yacht Race from noon on Saturday.

The race is sailed over a course laid out on the lake, being started by the Mayor of Sefton at 12pm on the Saturday and continuing non-stop for 24 hours. This year, it is likely that one team will attempt to sail the full 24 hours.